US F-16 fighter jet crashes during training flight near American Air Force base in South Korea
A US fighter jet crashed during a training exercise in South Korea early on Monday morning.
The pilot was forced to eject from the F-16 fighter jet before it crash-landed into the Yellow Sea.
Reuters reported that the crash occurred near the US Air , citing Yonhap news agency.
The single-engine jet that was assigned to the 8th Fighter Wing experienced "an in-flight emergency," according to the U.S. Military.
"The pilot ejected the aircraft," a statement by the U.S. Air Force confirmed.
"The pilot has been recovered by the Republic of Korea Maritime Forces, awake and in stable condition," it added.
The pilot is set to be further evaluated once returned to base.
"We are grateful for the safe recovery of our Airman by our ROK Allies and that the pilot is in good condition," Col. Matthew C. Gaetke, the 8th Fighter Wing's commander said.
It is not yet known what caused the emergency but the US Air Force confirmed that "the incident will be thoroughly investigated."
The pilot's name and updates on his medical condition will not be released, it added.
Most read in The US Sun
The base is located at the Gunsan Airport, about 3 hours and 15 minutes south of Seoul.
Gunsan Airport lies on the western coast of South Korea.
Osan Air Base is the other major base in South Korea.
The earliest version of the jet, the F-16A, was introduced in 1979 and there have since been several other models.
As of September 2021, the US Air Force had a total inventory of 1,017 F-16C/D fighter jets, according to its website.
In May a US F-16 jet crashed in a training exercise south of Seoul, South Korea, in which the pilot safely ejected and no one else was hurt.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to the Gunsan Air Force base for comment about Monday's crash.